Frame construction

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a frame made of multiples of a maximum of three different parts which when predeterminately assembled provide a strong, rigid aesthetic looking frame which requires no tools for assembly or disassembly.

United States Patent 1 3,698,114 Hirsch et a]. 1 Oct. 17, 1972 FRAME CONSTRUCTION 2,601,734 7/1952 Couzinet ..40/155 Inventors: S ey Ir ng Schneider Angus et al. ..40/1

both of westbury 3,5 34,490 10/1970 Herbert ..40/l 55 [73] Assignee: Structural Industries, Inc., Westbu- Primary Examiner Robert Michell Assistant Examiner-Wenceslao J. Contreras [22] Filed: March 15, 1971 AttorneyErnest A. Greenside [21] Appl. N0.: 124,166 ABSTRACT 52 us. Cl ..40/155 The inventim relates a frame made multiples 511 Int. Cl ..G09f 1/12 a maximum three different Parts which [58] Field of Search ..40/152, 155, 152.1; predetefminately assembled P rigid 7 9 D aesthetic looking frame which requires no tools for as sembly or disassembly. [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 2,581,843 1/1952 Edwards ..40/155 6 3 111g: I @253 Ii ,3

7/ J) LA F q T 3 1}: 71 2 5 6 7 1 u o A;* We 4 T L s4 PATENTEUW 17 I973 3.6 98. 1 l4 SHEET 2 OF 2 FIG.6

- I H m INVENTORS STANLEY HIRSCH IRVING SCHNEIDER FRAME CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION tedious practice and requires the skill of an artisan since molding members will first have to be cut to proper size after which the cut members must be assembled by joining adjacent sections with nails, glue or other joining means. This is not only a costly procedure but also time consuming and when attempted by persons lacking the necessary skill, will generally result in a frame which is not only unsightly but also lacks rigidity at the joints as a result of which the frame frequently separates. e

' Attempts have been made to eliminate the shortcomings of the aforementioned procedures for constructing frames. Thus it has been suggested to provide pre-cut frame sections of predetermined dimensions which may readily be joined together by locking joints to provide a frame structure having not only a pleasing appearance but also the necessary rigidity particularly at the joints. Examples of such structures may be found in US. Pat. Nos. 2,947,391, 2,654,451 and 3,534,490, the latter patent having been assigned to the assignee hereof. Each of these patents, in order to securely lock adjacent sections of the frame into a strong integral structure, require the use of screws and/or special tools to either assemble or disassemble the frame. Thus while these patents have obviated many of the shortcomings of the aforementioned prior art procedures, they do not permit assembly or disassembly of the frame without need for a certain degree of skill and an aptitude for using tools. An obvious disadvantage is that if special screws or tools are required and they are misplaced or lost, it would not be possible to assemble or disassemble the frames.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention we provide a frame which is made up of a minimal number or parts and which requires no screws or special tools for either assembly or disassembly. Advantageously, multiples of a maximum of three basic parts are required for making the frame. A first of the parts may constitute pre-cut frame sections which have been cut to predetermined size so that when assembled will provide a frame bounding a predetermined area. If a rectangular frame is desired, the opposite sides of the frame will be of equal length and the adjacent sides of unequal length. If a square frame is desired, all sections will be of equal length. It will thus be appreciated that various size frame structures may be provided, the size and shape 5 being determined by the size and shape of the frame sections.

The second of the three basic parts of the frame may constitute joining means for joining adjacent sections of the frame into 'its desiredshape and may .ad-

vantageously comprise substantially flat angle members which are received in channels of adjacent frame sections.

The third of the three basic parts of the frame may constitute means providing a locking connection for the adjacent sections joined by the joining means. Advantageously, the locking means may comprise additional angle members which are received in open ended channels of adjacent sections and provided, in the disclosed embodiment, with protuberances cooperating with means in the open ended channel for locking the joined adjacent sections into a strong firmly assembled frame construction. 1

It should be observed that the joining means may at times be eliminated particularly if a small size frame structure is desired. In that case the locking means, by virtue of its construction as hereinafter described, will admirably serve not only to join but also to lock adjacent frame sections.

More specifically, we provide in accordancewith the invention a frame comprising a plurality of sections engaged vend-to-end to enclose a predetermined area, each of said sectionshaving end portions and at least one channel in each said end portions with at least one channel in each end portion of each section communicating with corresponding channels in adjacent sections, and a locking member at the point of engagement between each two sections, said locking member having angularly related leg portions, one leg portion extending into the channel of one section and the other leg portion extending into the communicating channel of the adjacent section, and cooperating means integrally formed in said channels, in each said end portions of each section, and on said locking member and constituting the sole locking means for locking said adjacent sections one to the other when saidlocking member is disposed in said channels.

Advantageously, each of the frame sections includes a rectangular base portion having first and second lateral end portions, a first projection between said end portions and extending inwardly from and along the length of said base portion substantially perpendicularly thereto, a second projection extending inwardly from the length of said second end portion substantially perpendicularly to said base portion and substantially parallel to said first projection, said one channel being formed between a downturned end portion of said first projection and said base portion along which the downturned portion extends in parallel relation to define an open ended channel terminating at said one end portion of the base, and inwardly directed ledges formed on the facing walls of said downturned portion and said base portion, said inwardly directed ledges being formed with opposed grooves for receiving protuberances on said angularly related leg portions of said locking member. The frame may be suspended by means operatively connected with the inwardly directed ledges for suspending the frame from a supporting wall.

DRAWINGS Objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the assembled frame of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one comer of the frame in disassembled relation;

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the reverse side of the frame; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line 7-7 of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The frame, while made of aluminum in the preferred embodiment, may also be made of other suitable material; i.e., plaster, wood, metals or plastics.

Referring to the drawings, while the frame is made I up of four sections as shown in FIG. 1, for purpose of disclosure, only two adjoining frame sections are shown in FIG. 2 corresponding to the upper right hand corner of the frame in FIG. 1'. The frame is made up of frame sections 1, joining means comprising planar angle members 2 for initially joining adjacent frame sections to form, in the illustrated embodiment, a frame of rectangular shape and locking means comprising angle members 3 having a generally U-shaped cross section (see FIG. 3) for locking adjacent frame sections joined by the joining means. The locking members may advantageously comprise injection molded plastic members.

Assuming a rectangular frame is to be assembled, and depending on the size of the frame and the degree of strength and rigidity desired, we may use for smaller frames only four locking angle members 3 in conjunction with four frame sections forjoining and locking the latter or where a large rigid frame is required we may use, for added stability, four additional planar angle members 2 in which case one angle member 2 and one locking angle member 3 will be used at each corner, as shown in FIG. 2.

The frame sections 1 are beveled at their ends 4 to form a miterjoint whenjoined as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 3, it will be apparent that frame section 1 can be an extrusion or a molded length having a base portion 5 from which extend two projections 6, 7. Projection 7 is provided between the lateral ends of base portion 5 and extends inwardly, as does projection 6, from and along the length of base portion 5 substantially perpendicular thereto. Projection 7 terminates in a downturned end portion 8 which extends in parallel spaced apart relation to base portion 5 to define an open ended channel 9 extending along the length ofthe frame section. Projection 6 is also provided with a channel 10 which extends along the entire length of the frame section.

Within channel 9 are provided a pair of inwardly directed ledges 11, 12 which extend, in the illustrated embodiment, along the entire length of the frame section. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the description to follow that these ledges need only be provided adjacent the opposite end portions of the frame sections. However, when the frame section is formed by extrusion, the ledges (and projections 6, 7, and the channels formed thereby) extend the entire length of the frame section. After formation of the extrusion, diametrically opposed grooves 11', 12 (see FIGS. 2 and 5) are provided in the ledges, by diepunching, for reasons which will hereinafter be clarified.

The width of projections 6, 7 will depend on the desired appearance of the frame. Although not so shown in the drawings, the width of projections 6, 7 may be equal. Also the spacing between projections 6, 7 is dictated by the size and object to be framed. Because of the manner in which the projections 6, 7 are related to the base portion 5 of the frame and the manner in which an object to be framed is mounted, the only portions of the frame sections 1 which will be seen after mounting of the frame on the wall are base portion 5 and projection 6.

As will be apparent from FIGS. 5 and 6, channels 9, 10 need extend along projections 6 and 7 for sufficient length only to accomodate planar angle members 2 and locking angle members 3 and in particular leg portions l3, 14 or 13a, 14a of angle member 3, 2 respectively. As indicated, when the frame section, preferably of aluminum, is formed by extrusion, the channels 9, 10 which are formed during the extruding, extend the entire length of the frame section. This not only facilitates extrusion but permits long lengths of the extrusion to be made which may then be cut into desired lengths. Each length will thereby be provided with the desired channels at each end of the cut.

The shape of the channels 9, It) depends on the shape and size of the angle members 2, 3 used as well as the width, thickness and shape of the projection in which it is located.

Angle members 2, in the preferred embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 6 is in the form of a substantially planar angle bracket having angled leg portions 13a, 14a at right angles to each other in substantially the same plane. Because projection 6 is to be made as thin as possible, the width of angle member 2 is of smaller size than angle member 3. Angle member 2 is adapted to join adjacent ends of adjoining frame sections by axially sliding its respective leg portions 13a, 14a into corresponding axially extending channels 10 of the adjacent frame sections. To enhance frictional engagement between the walls defining channel 10 and leg portions 13a, 14a, angle member 2 may be convexly bellied as suggested at 15' in the region of joinder of the leg portions 13a, 14a (see FIG. 2).

Angle member 3, in the preferred embodiment and as viewed in FIGS. 2 to 5 is in the form of a hollow injection molded plastic angle member having a generally U-shaped lateral cross section along its extent. Angle member 3 is made up of angled leg portions 13, 14 at right angles to each other. Angle member 3 is adapted to lock adjacent ends of adjacent frame sections when introduced into open channels 9 of adjacent frame sections by aligning each leg portion l3, 14 with the corresponding channels 9 of the adjacent frame sections and by aligning protuberances 15, 16 on the leg portions 13, 14 of angle member 3 with the grooves 11', 12' formed in ledges 11, 12. When so aligned leg portions l3, 14 of angle member 3 are urged, hollow end visible, into the open channels 9 in a direction transverse to its longitudinal extent.

By virtue of the cooperative engagement of protuberances 15, 16 on leg portions 13, 14 with grooves 11', 12' formed in ledges 11, 12 and by virtue of the manner in which angle member 3 is introduced into channel 9,

a positive lock will be provided which will securely lock adjacent frame sections without need for separate fastening elements, tools or special skill. To disassemble the frame, it need only be turned so that its reverse side faces upward (see FIG. 5) to expose the angle members 3 which may then simply be pried from chan' nels 9 by removing protuberances 15, 16 from grooves l1, l2.

Angle portions l3, 14 of angle member 3 may be formed with shoulders 17, 17 (see FIG. 4) which sit upon ledges 11, 12 to thereby limit the extent of movement of the angle member into channel 9. To enhance the locking effect between protuberances 15, 16 and grooves 11, 12', both the protuberances and the side walls of the leg portions, along which they extend, are tapered inwardly as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to permit ready insertion of the leg portions and protuberances into the adjacent channels and grooves respectively, with increased frictional engagement between the protuberances and grooves as the angle member 3 is urged transversely into channel 9. Resiliency of the locking member, to accomodate increased frictional engagement between the protuberances and the grooves, is ensured by the hollowed construction of angle member 3. It will of course be apparent that locking member 3 could be made of a material other than plastic and may have a configuration other than that described, the only requirement for a suitable substitute being that it be sufficiently resilient to ensure the required locking action with ability to pry free the locking member from its locked position to permit disassembly of the frame.

In assembling the frame, the leg portions 13a, 14a of angle member 2 are first inserted into the channels of first and second adjacent frame sections 1. The frame sections so joined by the leg portions 13a, 14a are then locked by merely inserting angle member 3, 'as previously described, in the open channels 9 of the adjacent frame sections with protuberances 15, 16 aligned with grooves 11', 12'. Thereafter, a second angle member 2 has one of its leg portions inserted in the corresponding channel on the opposite end of the second frame section and a third frame section is joined to the exposed leg portion of the second angle member 'whereafter the second and third frame sections are locked together by inserting, as previously described, a second locking member 3 into the open channels 9 of the joined second and third frame sections. The object to be framed is then slid into the space 18 between projections 6, 7. The fourth and last frame section is then affixed to the free ends of the first and third frame sections utilizing joining angle member 2 and locking member 3. The frame so formed is not only attractive in appearance but also sturdy in construction.

For the purpose of suspending the frame, means are provided which cooperate with ledges 11 12 for guided movement therealong. The suspending means when thus suitably positioned may then be secured to prevent further movement with respect to the ledges. For this purpose, the suspending means may comprise, as shown in FIG. 7, a threaded member 19 formed with a concavity 20 in its peripheral surface intermediate its ends to define lips 21, 33 which straddle ledges 11, 12 when thus introduced at the open end of the frame section for guided movement along the ledges. For securing the suspending means at a selected position along the ledges, we advantageously provide a flat apertured plate member 23 which tightly engages end wall of the base portion 5 when screw 24 is passed through the aperture of plate member 23 into threaded engagement with the threaded portion of threaded member 19. Apertured plate member 23 carries a hook 25 by means of which the frame may be suspended from a wall.

From the above description, it will be seen that the present invention provides a simple assembled frame of light weight which will have great strength and rigidity. In addition, the frame can be assembled and disassembled as often as wished. Further advantages are obvious including the ability to prepackage frames of set dimensions or to prepackage in separate packages frame sections of various lengths with a requisite number of angle members which will enable the purchaser to design and construct frames of varying dimensions by purchasing packages of varying lengths.

Additionally, it will be seen that the objects of the invention have been fulfilled in that no special tools or skill are required for either assembling or disassembling the frame.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific materials and embodiments, it will be appreciated that certain variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, all such modifications and variations are intended within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A frame comprising a plurality of sections engaged end-to-end to enclose a predetermined area, each of said sections having opposite end portions and first and second, spaced apart, longitudinally extending channels in each said end portions, said first and second channels in each section communicating with corresponding channels in adjoining sections, one of said channels being open at the rear end of the frame and having a predetermined width, ledge means extending longitudinally within said one of said channels along at least said opposite end portions of each section to reduce the width of said one of said channels in the region of said ledge means, resilient members within said one of said channels of adjoining sections and being dimensioned in said region of said ledge means for frictional engagement thereby, and cooperating means on the ledge means and the resilient member for at all times preventing longitudinal movement of the resilient member relative to said ledge means.

2. A frame according to claim 12, wherein said cooperating means comprises a groove in said ledge means and at least one protruberance on said resilient member at least in part disposed within said groove.

3. A frame according to claim 2, wherein said resilient members comprise injection molded plastic members having a generally U-shaped cross section with said protruberances being formed adjacent the end portions of said members.

4. A frame according to claim 3, wherein said member terminates at the open end of its U-shaped cross section in a shoulder which abutts said grooved ledge.

5. A frame comprising a plurality of sections engaged end-to-end to enclose a predetermined area, each of said sections having end portions and at least one open ended channel in each said end portions in communication with corresponding channels in the end portions of adjacent sections, each of said sections further including a rectangular base portion having first and second lateral end portions, a first projection between said end portions and extending inwardly from and along the length of said base portion substantially perpendicularly thereto, a second projection extending inwardly from the length of said second end portion of the base substantially perpendicularly to said base portion and substantially parallel to said first projection, each said open ended channel being formed between a downturned end portion of said first projection and said base portion -along which the downturned portion extends in parallel relation, each said open ended channel having a predetermined width and terminating at its open end at said first end portion of the base, ledge means within said open ended channel and extending along at least said base portion of each section to reduce the width of said open ended channels in the region of said ledge means, resilient angle members within said open ended channels of adjoining sections and being dimensioned in said region 'of said ledge means for frictional engagement thereby, and cooperating means on the ledge means and the resilient members for at all times preventing longitudinal movement of the resilient members relative to said ledge means.

6. A frame according to claim 5, wherein suspending means cooperate with said inwardly directed ledges for suspending said frame for display.

7. A frame according to claim 6 wherein said resilient members enter said open ended channel through the open end thereof with said protruberances in alignment with said grooves.

8. A frame according to claim 5,- wherein said cooperating means comprise grooves in said ledge means and at least one protruberance on said resilient members at least in part disposed within said grooves. 

1. A frame comprising a plurality of sections engaged end-to-end to enclose a predetermined area, each of said sections having opposite end portions and first and second, spaced apart, longitudinally extending channels in each said end portions, said first and second channels in each section communicating with corresponding channels in adjoining sections, one of said channels being open at the rear end of the frame and having a predetermined width, ledge means extending longitudinally within said one of said channels along at least said opposite end portions of each section to reduce the width of said one of said channels in the region of said ledge means, resilient members within said one of said channels of adjoining sections and being dimensioned in said region of said ledge means for frictional engagement thereby, and cooperating means on the ledge means and the resilient member for at all times preventing longitudinal movement of the resilient member relative to said ledge means.
 2. A frame according to claim 12, wherein said cooperating means comprises a groove in said ledge means and at least one protruberance on said resilient member at least in part disposed within Said groove.
 3. A frame according to claim 2, wherein said resilient members comprise injection molded plastic members having a generally U-shaped cross section with said protruberances being formed adjacent the end portions of said members.
 4. A frame according to claim 3, wherein said member terminates at the open end of its U-shaped cross section in a shoulder which abutts said grooved ledge.
 5. A frame comprising a plurality of sections engaged end-to-end to enclose a predetermined area, each of said sections having end portions and at least one open ended channel in each said end portions in communication with corresponding channels in the end portions of adjacent sections, each of said sections further including a rectangular base portion having first and second lateral end portions, a first projection between said end portions and extending inwardly from and along the length of said base portion substantially perpendicularly thereto, a second projection extending inwardly from the length of said second end portion of the base substantially perpendicularly to said base portion and substantially parallel to said first projection, each said open ended channel being formed between a downturned end portion of said first projection and said base portion along which the downturned portion extends in parallel relation, each said open ended channel having a predetermined width and terminating at its open end at said first end portion of the base, ledge means within said open ended channel and extending along at least said base portion of each section to reduce the width of said open ended channels in the region of said ledge means, resilient angle members within said open ended channels of adjoining sections and being dimensioned in said region of said ledge means for frictional engagement thereby, and cooperating means on the ledge means and the resilient members for at all times preventing longitudinal movement of the resilient members relative to said ledge means.
 6. A frame according to claim 5, wherein suspending means cooperate with said inwardly directed ledges for suspending said frame for display.
 7. A frame according to claim 6 wherein said resilient members enter said open ended channel through the open end thereof with said protruberances in alignment with said grooves.
 8. A frame according to claim 5, wherein said cooperating means comprise grooves in said ledge means and at least one protruberance on said resilient members at least in part disposed within said grooves. 